our god saves

I am absolutely, 100% tired. Physically AND mentally.  Today has been a really good day. I didn't wake up early or work out, or do my readings (plan to do that tonight) but I took advantage of nap time and got a lot done. Last night when we got back from grocery shopping, I rushed to get our turkey and potato ready for supper. (We left the Turkey cooking in the oven for 4 hours). Peter kindly did up the dishes and I gave the kids a bath. I can't even tell you how helpful that was. That saved me a lot of time!

When the kids went to bed, I organized three cupboards, our baking center, cleaned up our messy table, put away dishes, and swept the floor. I got rid of things that didn't belong in the kitchen and it just felt so good to get some of that stuff done. I sprayed the oven last night, too, so that when I woke up, I could clean it. I cleaned the top oven first while the kids were finishing up breakfast and waited to do the bottom oven when they went down for a nap. it is CLEAN now and I put aluminum foil to catch any further spills. I also made some black bean brownies, prepared for supper tonight, sewed two border strips onto my quilt, and messed around with some of kate's projects for her birthday. I also prepared some homemade Turkey stock in the crock-pot. That will cook for about 20 or so hours. Peter played with the girls so I could finish up the dishes again from supper and then the girls and I made some strawberry - rhubarb gluten free muffins. They fought a little but Kate really loves to pour and mix.... she had lots of fun. I am really looking forward to baking with her in the future, Lord willing.

Tonight I plan to sit with the heating pad if you know what I mean, and read Philemon and part of Hebrews. Tomorrow we have a fun play date planned with a family from church.

Today I tried to reflect and pray for the Haiti Rescue Center.  You can read what is happening there.... can't imagine. This is their latest update:

Real Hope for Haiti

Twins ill again. Both back on IV's. Another child from RC has 105.6 fever and having seizures. Another child from clinic today on oxygen. Long night ahead of us.

Please, please pray.  All I can do is think of my children being in that situation. I get so dissapointed when I have to take care of my children when I am ill - I could not imagine all of us being sick at once and not being able to rest in an actual bed. But on a chair. and knowing one of my children might not make it. 

 

Our God Saves

in need

I hate to be so depressing, but I am so sad about Haiti. More and more kids are getting sick..as if it wasn't hard for them to stay alive because of poverty, now this.  I feel so helpless, I can only hope God will answer my prayers. I hope you will consider praying for them during this awful time. Visit their link.

I can't remember the last time I wrote on here; it wasn't too long ago but still feels like a while ago.  I haven't been up to very much, Mondays are my days when I try to get all the laundry done and most of the cleaning or straightening up.  Yesterday I spent time trying to do Christmas gifts (ordering what i can online) and then last night I went to bible study. This morning I would normally go to my Beth Moore bible study but I don't have anyone to watch the kids, and then tomorrow morning I am going to my voice lessons.  Today Peter is at a meeting in Crookston all day, so I am sure it will be an extra long day. It always helps when he comes home for lunch to break up the day, but I dont think he will be home until at least 6.

It is hard to believe that Thanksgiving is already next week! Then next weekend I have my friend's wedding. It will be a busy week I think. I wonder if it will ever slow down!!!

my life

I don't have much to say today, except this link: http://haitirescuecenter.wordpress.com/

So hard to see those kids... can't even imagine what they are going through.  Jess' blog about transformations is a good blog I came across now. It just makes me thankful that I was born where I was... because that could have been my life..

Update on Aria

Today I write with complete sadness as I update Aria.  She has been doing well, however her parents met with the DNA specialist to confirm indeed she has a rare DNA disorder.  She is one of 650 cases that has CCHS. If you want to click on the link it explains her breathing problems. Unfortunately this is a life-long battle. I wanted to write quickly this morning about it so that you are encouraged to pray for them. Think of it this way, if you were in their position, wouldnt you feel even a little bit better knowing that people are praying for you? As a parent, this would devestate me.

Another sad but good thing is the Rescue Center in Haiti (link to the side, new kids in the RC) has gotten a few more kids this week. Marlene, age 5 weighs 14 pounds. Can you even believe it?  Rejoice that someone is now taking care of them, but it doesnt mean their bodies will not reject the food they are given. Pray that they can get the nourishment they need. 

Websites

Two blogs updated I'd like to share. One of them I am famous :) Just kidding.

Update on Darlens, the 3 year old who weighs 15 pounds. and Debbie's blog about shipments and all the donations being sent in.

I am so happy to see that Darlens is doing better. Keep praying for him and the others at the Rescue Center... and especially those who need to be saved still.

Mirlene

Mirlene died.  She wasn't even at the rescue center that long... but she was 4, weighed 28 pounds, and died. I had been praying really hard for her on Thursday, all day long, so when I found out Friday night before date night that she had died, I was crushed.  I could hardly stop thinking about it.  It's just not fair. It's hard for me not to feel guilty for having a nice home with two beautiful healthy kids, when I know every second of the day someone there is in pain and hungry and dying.  It's just not fair. But at least she is not suffering anymore.

I guess they are getting ready to ship the container to the rescue center soon. Here is an email I received from Debbie who is in charge of collections. This is what she said:

Hi Kristen,

Zach called today from RHFH and he will be in Indiana on Tuesday. We need to finish packing and get the semi container to Haiti by April 20-22 so that he can try to get it through DUTY FREE by April 30th. It has to make it all the way through customs before that date. (could save $3,000 but can't guarantee because we have to get it THROUGH customs).

SO -- we must call in all orders and get them packed so we can organize the semi the second week. Last items needed are pallets of food, especially peanut butter. He may also be sending some of the pallets of medicine to Minnesota so that he can balance the trucks.

I'm going to start looking for shipping sponsorships. I'm still going to need to raise the $10,000 in case we don't get the container all the way through in time (can't predict everything that will happen). We have about $1,500 so far. People can get a tax deduction by going to www.haitirescuecenter.wordpress.com and sending money through paypal or directly to Indiana. It needs to be marked Minnesota shipping.
This is going to happen!!!!
Debbie

If you can help, IN ANY WAY, please.... it would mean so much to me.  I wish I had a ton of viewers so that my blog could help advertise. Even if you have a blog or facebook to help spread the word, I would be so greatful

Busy

Busy busy busy seems to be a common theme in our house lately, and we haven't even started planting season yet.  On the weekends we have been working on spring cleaning.  I am proud to say that some of the projects I had on my list are being scratched off. Lots and lots of clutter and junk are being thrown out and things are starting to look a little cleaner.  I even washed some windows. Seeing all this snow melt is really making me excited for planting flowers and vegetables. Spring is here!

I have been working on a few different things around here.  One being Haiti of course. I put an 'ad' in the newspaper to tell the communities about ways to donate.  Go here for more details.  I am putting together an order for machetes for use of farming. Most haitians are traveling rural so we have the capacity to help the haitians help themselves! They need the tools for farming so they can farm... but they do not have the tools. I am putting in an order today or tomorrow so if you want to help, contact me. They are $8 for machetes. You can also donate through Walmart.com. Here are the details for that.

Here are some more pictures.  I think i will wait to post the pictures of the invitations I made for Maddy's birthday. I will tell you, though, it is strawberry shortcake themed.  Til later!

It's Late & I'm Tired

...so go to bed!    Yes, I probably should. It's 11 pm, and I am still up. Peter got back from curling a couple hours ago and he helped me clean up the kitchen, and then we just talked for a while. It was nice to spend time together just having good conversations.   Tonight I went on Here to Haiti's website because this lady named Debbie Woodward is collecting a container to ship to Haiti. She has been getting a lot of collections all over the US, and even different parts of the world for this container. Anyway, she picked up one of the items I bought for the kids at the Rescue Center and documents where these donations are coming from. I think that's a neat idea. You too, can donate through the walmart website. It's really easy to do, and if you click site to store, you dont pay for shipping and she will pick it up for you!  Go here for those instructions.

Last Sunday I took some 'easters' pictures of the kids. I have to edit these because the lighting was poor.  Here's what I have:

A slightly new space

Last year we had the priveledge to put together a shoe box for children who do not get gifts for Christmas. We gave two shoe boxes and dropped it off in Fargo pretty much the last day that it could be done. There was even a "tracker" so that you could have sent to your inbox where the shoe box went. I just got in the mail a newsletter of some snapshots of the kids who got gifts. So worth it!!

We also sponsor a couple children from Haiti, and sometimes we receive letters of pictures they've drawn, etc.  This time I received a letter from Jean (the boy I sponsor) and in the letter was this:

How great, that he can write his name, and write numbers!!  Without his sponsorship, he would not be able to go to school and learn to these things. For the little money it is per month to sponsor... this is also sooo worth it.

We did some cleaning this weekend. Well, all week. So much "spring cleaning" got done.  Our two main, deep closets got cleaned out, mopped, and neatly organized in a matter of a few hours of both peter and I going through old treasures. I found the wedding bin I had and i literally still had about 50 little bottles of bubbles from our wedding. Ok, can you say, "let go"? 

Bins were labeled and now theres lots of bare space to store more things. I couldnt fit the camera to take a picture of the other half of the closet but now our old winter jackets will be stored hanging and baby toys.

This is the picture of the new space I want to make my scrapbooking headquarters :)  It is messy right now, obviously, we took most of the trash to peters pickup but there's still a lot that we put in that corner. Just envision finishing the trim on the windows, cute curtains and the old sink you see there would have laminent on top and pushed to the opposite side, possibly a large cabinet, and my scrapbooking table would be under the window. The window would be slightly open to enjoy fresh air !

This is where I do my stuff, see? so dark.

Here are some other fun pictures:

Thank You

Today I went to shop/drop off the remainder of supplies for Haiti Relief. We had the back of our vehicle filled with good stuff! I am so thrilled that I decided to 'advertise' for this. I received more donations than I thought I would. I am so thankful for your generosity.  Here's some of the things that were boughten or brought to me:

• 8 or so boxes of dry instant milk (1 was dropped off at my house and still here)
• 3 big cans of formula, 1 little
• 8 total boxes of multigrain cheerios (sold in packs of 2)
• 5-6 boxes of cereal for baby/toddlers
• Large box of wipes that contain several individual packages
• Several boxes of bandages (different sizes)
• Several tubes of first aid ointment
• Boxes of Vitamin drops for infants
• Prenatal vitamins
• Chewable vitamins for kids
• Pain/Fever reducers for infants/children
• Boxes of Pedialyte (powder, to cut down on weight, you mix with water)

and more...  I sent a large box directly to Florida-- it will be flown by plane within a week to another orphanage in Haiti-- that way they can get it quicker.... those I had already mailed so you dont see it in the picture. There's a few things in a bag too. At that orphanage they needed things quick because they were out of certain things, like prenatal vitamins and Blood Glucose Strips, which I could not buy but might online.  If you would like to help and havent yet, please let me know.  One of the orphanages that I've been following has set up a site at walmart.com with a "wish list" with things you can purchase online and have shipped to the address in Florda where by plane, all will be sent.  You can find this information and directions here. 

Here's some things that were sent:

It doesnt really look like much but most of the big things were $10-13 a peice (including all vitamins) and of course formula is around $20-$25 dollars.  This will be a huge help to them, and I just sincerely thank you for being so generous.  I could just kiss you!

New Blog

They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?' "He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.


I found a new blog today.. just had to share.  I am so upset right now... There are people who don't give a SINGLE CENT. They dont even bat an eyelash! They know what's happening, and carry on with their day. I am not saying we can't enjoy what God has given us :  (Ecc. 5:18 Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him- for this is his lot. .5:19 says, Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them , to accept his lot and be happy in his work- this is a gift of God. )

(Ephesians 2:10 says, "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do)

I am so lucky to have two healthy beautiful young babies to care for, but I cant help but be obsessed about all the suffering going on. Here is a recent post from this blog:

Today a baby died. And it was normal. Life here went on as always and once again we went back to the chaos of clinic and the military being here and the patients and the rescue center kids etc etc. But that death should have shaken someones world. It should have made someone cry, or mourn. It should have made someone want to change their perspective and take on life and live more for God and for others than for them self... instead, it became one more dossier to add to the stack of kids that couldn't be saved and life went on... Sometimes i wonder how many kids are out there in the world dying, with no one who cares or knows, and what will it take to get the world's attention? How many kids have to die for stupid reasons before enough people get involved so that third world countries get the education and help they need. It's not their fault they were born in a country where school was too expensive, where one meal a day was normal and that no one taught them what a balanced diet means. The earthquake brought supplies into Haiti immediately, but Genise didn't die from the earthquake, and the aid obviously didn't reach her family. The underlying problems in Haiti will not be fixed by short-term aid brought in because of an earthquake....

http://hisfaithfuldoaf.blogspot.com/

No Date Night!

Hi.  Today is Friday, which is usually a date night for us. But due to an exhausting week, we are skipping it.  Also, the winter olympics are on.  No really, we're going to bed early. Today I went to my appointment in Grand Forks (finally) after 6 months of having to reschedule (long story).  It went ok.  We went to Target and Sams Club to purchase a whole bunch of formula/milk/cereal, etc for the Haiti drive that I had mentioned. So far, 5 people have contacted me to donate.  PTL!!!  I will be going again on Tuesday I believe to make some more purchases and then to the Covenant Church in GF to drop off.  I am so thrilled. I hope I am making the right amount of purchases. I have contacted a couple ladies who are in charge, and one that has been to Haiti. I hope she will reply to let me know what they need *most*.

I was going to post some pictures of my quilting project. I did on facebook, but I suppose I could on here too, since some dont have facebook.  Here they are:

The top two were my "lessons" from my mother in law. I have never quilted before (post home-ec) so this was a neat experience. I learned most when I had to do it on my own. Cheryll had left to Arizona and I was responsible to do some cutting myself. Then I went to "quilting" in Stephen, where a bunch of ladies get together and quilt all day -- literally. They even would bring lunch and suppers! I got to go a couple times after 3pm when Peter was done with work on the slow days....so I havent gotten much done. But i am starting to sew more now, as you can see in the pictures.  I dont really care how long it takes me. It is fun to do it when I can. Maybe I will learn enough to make one for Maddy all by myself!

Haiti Relief

I was planning to take a nap today since both kids are down at the same time, successfully. Then I changed my mind into doing my bible study. Instead, I am crying over Haiti.

http://english.aljazeera.net/programmes/2010/02/201028101150152925.html

I know that my blog is small and do not have many readers, but I wish I could be some type of outreach in my community. I wish that somehow people could be interested in donating or helping out in some way. I wish that I could be in Haiti...but I know that I can't go, and even if I went, it would be terribly hard to leave. Peter and I were on Samaritans Purse's website last night. After about 2 or so months, maybe 3 months of really praying and trying to decide where we could donate more money to, we hadnt really come up with anything. So at that time, we knew we just had to be patient. Previously, God laid on my heart that we needed to donate infant formula to babies in Africa. That was an answer to prayer. Some other opportunities came up around that time so we did donate to those, but still nothing really was popping out at us. Then we heard about the earthquake in Haiti and though it was not 100% certain to me, I knew we would donate there.

Ever since then it seems like each day I have just had such a softened heart toward Haiti. The last few days I have been asking people a lot of questions because I want to make sure our money will be used for the people. At Samaritans Purse, they use it for water filtration systems, for food... etc. So we feel really good about donating through them.  I also found out about the Lacey Hewitt foundation, who is at Haiti right now and has been there since August. They need money for building supplies for their orphanage. That video link I posted is that same village. It made me cry several times. In order to house more orphans, they need to rebuild their orphanage. We are also donating towards infant formula.   It makes me sick that I am so happy here, when others are dying and suffering. 

"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that they may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,' says the Lord of hosts, "if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows'" (Mal. 3:10)


Test God.  Give more than you can manage, and see how He responds.

http://laceyinhaiti.blogspot.com/